Nielsen Is Finally Figuring Out How Many People Are Streaming Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Shows

Late last month, the creators of Netflix’s hit original series told the Television Critics Association how freeing it was to work with a company that didn’t gauge success by Nielsen ratings. “It’s wonderful,” Grace and Frankie executive producer Marta Kauffman said, according to the L.A. Times. “We’re not pandering to advertisers. We’re not pandering to a network. All we’re doing is making the show we want and that we believe in.”

Added Tina Fey, co-creator of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, in a separate panel, “We know that [Netflix chief content officer ] Ted [Sarandos] is pleased, which is great news, but we don’t have any actual numbers . . . it’s very free to be free of that rating system, for sure.”

This week, however, The Wall Street Journal reports that Netflix’s un-numbered days are, well, numbered. Nielsen, the company responsible for the eponymous, advertising-integral ratings system, is months into a program that allows it to finally track nearly 1,000 shows on streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu. The information Nielsen is collecting includes how many people stream specific episodes, and audience members’ ages and gender profiles. The limited program does not, however, measure international subscribers or subscribers who stream shows from mobile devices.

Although data may help level the playing field with Netflix, which has been tight-lipped about its own streaming metrics, Nielsen’s metrics could also hurt Netflix’s sizable advances, especially in being able to afford A-list talent. Per the Verge, “If Nielsen data shows that its original programming doesn’t have the same draw as licensed shows, investors may be somewhat less inclined to support the company’s future projects.”

Claire’s icy blue dress matches her icy glare in this presidential portrait. House of Card’s clothing designer Kemal Harris spoke of this particular scene, saying, “I knew I had to design something with a neckline that exposed Claire’s proverbial “cold shoulder.”

Photo: Courtesy of Netflix.

A metallic three-quarter jacket, almost resembling an en mode suit of armor. Tom Broecker, the Season 1 costume designer, said Frank and Claire’s looks “reflect everything away from them. It’s almost an intentional thing. It’s like an emotional barrier.”

Photo: Courtesy of Netflix.

A classic trench, with a dark twist—much like Claire herself.

Photo: Courtesy of Netflix.

In a cascade of silver before a state dinner with the Russian president. When the Putin stand-in begins to get fresh with Claire, she cooly replies with a brilliant line about his “little pickle.” He should have known that behind this silky, sultry gown is a razor sharp wit.

Photo: Courtesy of Netflix.

In her brief crossover to the dark side, accompanied by a rich burgundy dress, Claire proves that sartorial prowess can all be in the strut. Blondes have more fun, but brunettes have more power.

Photo: Courtesy of Netflix.

The outfit you wear when you have D.C’s best tailor on speed dial.

Photo: Courtesy of Netflix.

Claire Underwood bucks House of Cards’s traditional dark, somber palette for this bright sheath. Can we call it “Robin Wright-egg” blue?

Photo: Courtesy of Netflix.

Claire’s icy blue dress matches her icy glare in this presidential portrait. House of Card’s clothing designer Kemal Harris spoke of this particular scene, saying, “I knew I had to design something with a neckline that exposed Claire’s proverbial “cold shoulder.”

Courtesy of Netflix.

A metallic three-quarter jacket, almost resembling an en mode suit of armor. Tom Broecker, the Season 1 costume designer, said Frank and Claire’s looks “reflect everything away from them. It’s almost an intentional thing. It’s like an emotional barrier.”

Courtesy of Netflix.

A classic trench, with a dark twist—much like Claire herself.

Courtesy of Netflix.

In a cascade of silver before a state dinner with the Russian president. When the Putin stand-in begins to get fresh with Claire, she cooly replies with a brilliant line about his “little pickle.” He should have known that behind this silky, sultry gown is a razor sharp wit.

Courtesy of Netflix.

This white tailored-jacket-and-dress combo celebrates Claire’s bold femininity, confidence, and how she never needs to use Tide-To-Go.

Courtesy of Netflix.

Claire and her spectacular outfit-noir in the Season 2 finale—black leather gloves are not for the faint of heart.

Courtesy of Netflix.

Exercising her right to bear legs. This form-fitted black dress is made even more fierce with the pop of Louboutin red.

Courtesy of Netflix.

Ain’t no rest for the weary—or those plotting ruthless ascents to power—in these silk La Perla pajamas.

Courtesy of Netflix.

With her pixie cut, glasses, and affinity for oxfords, Claire makes androgyny chic with this ensemble.

Courtesy of Netflix.

In her brief crossover to the dark side, accompanied by a rich burgundy dress, Claire proves that sartorial prowess can all be in the strut. Blondes have more fun, but brunettes have more power.

Courtesy of Netflix.

The outfit you wear when you have D.C’s best tailor on speed dial.

Courtesy of Netflix.

Claire Underwood bucks House of Cards’s traditional dark, somber palette for this bright sheath. Can we call it “Robin Wright-egg” blue?